Eliminating Hydrogen Peroxide Volatiles after Lead White Conversion Treatment Via Sorption Agents

Abstract

Abstract Hydrogen peroxide (HP) residues that remain after the conversion of blackened lead white may cause unwanted paper discolouration and degradation. Four VOCs sorption materials were tested for their ability to eliminate HP gas evolving from the treated substrate. This was tested by measuring the change in HP concentration in aqueous solution and in an enclosed air space in the presence of MicroChamber® Interleaving Paper, Corrosion Intercept® film, Zorflex® activated carbon cloth (ACC) and iron sulphate-impregnated paper. Detection with the colour indicator Quantofix® test strips and a Dräger X-am® 5100 single gas detection device showed that ACC is by far most efficient in decreasing the HP concentration. ACC was also effective in preventing paper discolouration in test objects that had been HP-treated for lead white conversion and then were stored sandwiched between ACC. Although ACC may not eliminate all HP from the substrate, it can diminish its negative effects on the treated object and protect other objects in the vicinity.